“M-130” 
Quadraphonix
(self-produced)

With instrumentation consisting of guitar, electric bass, congas and drum set, Quadraphonix has been one of the most unconventional instrumental groups on the local scene ever since drummer Jonathan Heraux founded it in 1998. A repertoire that blends elements of African, Indian, Latin and Malaysian music with American jazz, blues, hip hop, rock and funk also sets them apart from everything else that’s going on here. “M-130,” their first full-length album since “Blues in the Ragas” was released in 2012, introduces seven more cross-cultural compositions. The instruments are familiar but the melodies and rhythms represent distant places. Each song whets the appetite for more knowledge about the cultures this music draws on.

Vocalists singing and speaking in unidentified languages add to the enigmatic exotic ambiance.

Quadraphonix celebrates the release of “M-130” at 8 p.m. Friday at the New Ong King Art Center in the old Blaisdell Hotel on Fort Street Mall. The $10 cover will help fund the group’s European tour in August.

Visit quadraphonix.com/.

“Beautiful Day”
Michael Paulo
(Apaulo Productions)

Michael Paulo’s parents weren’t happy when he told them after they’d paid his way through private school that he was turning down a college scholarship to tour with Kalapana. Four decades later, the saxophonist has made them proud with his consistent success as a performer, recording artist, record producer and event promoter. “Beautiful Day,” released in mid-June, is Paulo at his instrumental best. A short list of long-time friends joins him for a musical reunion.

Expatriate islanders Fred Schreuders (guitar) and Kimo Cornwell (keyboards) represent Hawaii on several songs each. Paulo’s mainland friends — the list includes Gregg Karukas (keyboards), Freddie Washington (bass), Peter White (guitar) and Ray Parker, Jr. (guitar) — also participate as members of various combinations of musicians.

Paulo’s arrangement of “Europa” sets a benchmark in displaying his insights as an arranger. The song has been a local favorite ever since Carlos Santana recorded it in 1976. Paulo does nicely in re-framing it as soft instrumental pop.

Elsewhere in the program, pianist David Benoit adds his magic to Paulo’s instrumental remake of Elton John’s break-through hit, “Your Song,” and bassist Darryl Williams’ thumping bass gives a solid foundation to “Who You Gonna Call?”one of Paulo’s eight originals.

If the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) counts Paulo as eligible for the 2019 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards he’ll be the man to beat in the Jazz Album category.

Visit michaelpaulo.com.